I might have to have a root canal. what is the difference between an endodontist and an oral surgeon?

Difference is....: an endodontist is a dental specialist who does root canal treatment. This is who you need to see. An oral surgeon is a dental specialist who performs apicoectomties, extractions and dental implants. This is who you see if you are one of the unlucky people whose root canal has failed.

Big: The Endodontist is the specialist in root canal treatment. This includes surgery at the tooth roots. The Oral And Maxillofacial surgeon is the specialist for extractions, jaw surgery, orthognathic surgery (moving the jaws to better position), tumor removal, biopsies, implant placement and removal, grafting of bone and tissue, wound closure, repair of traumatic facial injuries, etc. Big difference.

See an endodontist: Endodontists are dentists with 3 additional years of specialty education in root canal . Oral surgeon are DDS or DDS MD specialize in and Maxillofacial surgery.

Big Difference: An Endodontist saves teeth, by doing Root Canal Therapy or Root End Surgery. An Oral Surgeon, among other things, usually removes teeth.